Cypriot farmers request extension of grain storage license at Larnaca port

Five major agricultural organizations in Cyprus, including PEK, EKA, Panagrotikos, Nea Agrotiki Kinisi, and Euroagrotikos, submitted a joint letter on October 12, 2026, to the Minister of Agriculture, Christos Senekkis, and the Minister of Commerce, Michalis Damianou. The groups are requesting an urgent extension of the grain storage license at the port of Larnaca, which is currently scheduled to expire on October 31, 2026.

The organizations argue that the current geopolitical instability, specifically the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, has disrupted supply chains and increased import costs for feed materials. They highlight that increased tourist numbers and the significant domestic production of halloumi cheese necessitate higher strategic grain reserves to ensure food security. Furthermore, they noted that the upcoming implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on January 1, 2027, is expected to drive up the cost of soy imports from South America.

The agricultural groups have requested that the government and the Port Authority re-examine total storage capacity needs to mitigate the risk of market shortages and price spikes. The letter serves as an appeal for authorities to prioritize the island's food security by maintaining current infrastructure.